ABC Resilience

As we watch with growing concern the hurricane season unfold in Florida and the Southeast US, we often ask, isn't there anything we can to to prevent all this destruction and loss of life? The warning system at the National Hurricane Center continues to improve. And the response progeams at FEMA and the Red Cross are also growing to meet the challenge. But what can we, in our local communities, do to be more resilient in the face of such diasters? How can we bounce back?  That's the core meaning of resiliency.

I asked the new AI Chatbot my students are helping develop, based on the information provided in my Crisis Informatics course. Following some iteration through multiple drafts, here's what HappGPT had to say[1]:

Hurricane Ready: A, B, and C Plans for Navigating Uncertainty

Hurricanes pose a significant threat to coastal communities, bringing devastating winds, torrential rains, and storm surges that can wreak havoc. While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it. A critical component of community resilience is ABC planning, which outlines a three-tiered approach for responding to hurricane events:

A-Plan: The Ideal Scenario

The A-Plan outlines the ideal response to a hurricane threat, assuming ample time for preparation and readily available resources. This might involve:

Early Warning System: A robust system for receiving and disseminating hurricane warnings, including local broadcasts, community alerts, and social media communication. 

Evacuation Plan: A clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan that identifies safe routes, designated shelters, and transportation options. 

Resource Mobilization: Preparation and coordination of resources, including emergency supplies, first responders, and community volunteers.

B-Plan: Adapting to Challenges

The B-Plan is activated when the A-Plan becomes impractical due to changing circumstances, limited time, or resource constraints. This might involve:

Adaptive Evacuation: Adapting the evacuation plan to accommodate the changing situation, perhaps with shorter evacuation times or different routes. 

Resource Prioritization: Focusing on essential resources and allocating them based on immediate needs and urgency. 

Alternative Sheltering: Identifying additional shelter options for residents who are unable to evacuate or have limited access to official shelters.

C-Plan: Navigating Chaos

The C-Plan is not just a backup plan; it’s a framework for navigating decision-making in the face of uncertainty and chaos, after the A-Plan and B-Plan have failed. It’s about establishing a process for making critical decisions in a fluid and unpredictable environment. This might involve:

Decision-Making Processes: Pre-determining a decision-making hierarchy or structure for critical situations, including roles and responsibilities. 

Information Gathering: Identifying key information sources and methods for gathering critical data in the aftermath of a hurricane. 

Community Collaboration: Fostering a culture of collaborative decision-making and leveraging the collective knowledge and resources of community members.

Adaptive Planning: Constantly reassessing the situation, adjusting plans based on new information, and remaining agile in the face of evolving challenges.

Personal Go-Kit: Your Individual Resilience

While community-level planning is essential, individual preparedness is equally crucial. Building a personal “go-kit” can significantly enhance your ability to survive and thrive during a hurricane:

Back-up Communications: Include a weather radio, a hand-crank radio, and extra batteries. Consider a satellite phone or a two-way radio for communication when cell service is down. 

Escape Plan: Develop a plan for your family, including designated meeting points and alternate escape routes in case your primary route is blocked. 

Food and Water: Enough non-perishable food and water to last for at least three days. Consider a water filtration system for additional safety. 

Emergency Supplies: Include a first-aid kit, essential medications, flashlights, duct tape, a multi-tool, a waterproof bag, and cash.

The Power of ABC Planning and Individual Action

By developing comprehensive A, B, and C plans, communities can strengthen their resilience, minimize damage, and ensure a quicker and more effective recovery process. Additionally, by building a personal go-kit, individuals can empower themselves to face a hurricane with greater confidence and preparedness.

ABC planning, combined with individual preparedness, fosters a culture of readiness and empowers communities to weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before.
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[1] A beta test version of HappGPT has been posted to this Blog, here: https://eghapp.blogspot.com/2024/10/happgpt-chatbot-test.html .  Please pose your follow-up questions there and leave comments on what's working well and not so well.

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